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Willamette football player comes out as bisexual

Alisha Roemeling, USA TODAY Sports
6:34 p.m. EST January 29, 2014

Conner Mertens, a freshman Willamette University student-athlete who came out publicly via Outsports.com, talks during a press conference at the school on Tuesday.(Photo: Danielle Peterson, The Statesman Journal)

After years of feeling somewhat alone in the world, Conner Mertens, a 19-year-old red-shirt freshman kicker for Willamette (Ore.) University football team, finally has found some peace.

Last week, the student-athlete told his coach, Glen Fowles, that he is bisexual, that he has a boyfriend — and on Monday he announced it to the rest of the world in the name of helping and inspiring other LGBT athletes, students, and people like him.

"Hi, I'm Conner," he said as he sat down with a big smile on his face, his teammates and coach on either side of him, and he dug into the issue with confidence.

"I want to end stereotypes and stigmas that go along with what it means to like the same sex or be attracted to the same sex," said Mertens at the small press conference held Tuesday at Sparks Athletic Center at Willamette University.

On Monday, Mertens was in the Willamette University men's locker room with his teammates and coaches, who had gathered to discuss his announcement. Mertens typed out a letter and handed out copies for everyone to read. Wade Davis, a former NFL player, also was present to talk with the team. The team's reaction was a positive one.

Jack Nelson, a junior inside linebacker for Willamette as well as Mertens' teammate, said it wasn't a big deal to the team.

"We care about Conner as an individual, and that's just a part of him," said Nelson. "We're going to support him in that fashion, but we're also we care about him as a player.

"I know that he's a really good kicker and can be a huge part of this team. It wasn't a big deal and we're glad that he felt comfortable; we're proud of our school and our team."

According to outsports.com, no college football player in the United States at any level has come out publicly while still playing, until Mertens. Head coach Fowles said he was initially a bit nervous about how the news would go over with the team, but he's now proud of how they reacted.

"The way the team responded made me believe it would be OK," said Fowles. "What Conner did was brave and courageous, and I'm proud of our football team for supporting Conner."

Mertens, who grew up in the conservative town of Kennewick, Wash., aims to reach others struggling with the same sort of issues in his hometown and all over the world. On Monday evening, he tweeted the letter he wrote to his hometown, to reach out and to show his love for the small community. Here's an excerpt:

"Throughout my life, I have been told who I can and cannot be. A few months ago I realized that I am only limited as a person by the limitations I have placed on myself. That being said, it is important to me to tell you all that I, Conner Mertens, am bisexual. If that makes you uncomfortable, I refuse to apologize for being who I am."

Over winter break, Mertens decided he wanted to tell his family.

"They thought I got a speeding ticket," Mertens laughed. "They were originally pretty shocked but have since showed me so much love and support."

Initially, Mertens was wary of announcing to his teammates and peers that he was bisexual, but has since decided that it's the best decision he could make.

"I know it sounds cheesy, but it feels like such a weight has been lifted from my shoulders," he said.

Throughout the day Tuesday, words of encouragement poured in via Twitter and Facebook from all over the world. Nick Symmonds, a Willamette University alumnus and participant in the Beijing 2008 and London 2012 Olympics, reached out to Mertens on Tuesday via Twitter: "Proud of @connermertens and my alma mater@willamette_u! #NOH8 #GoBearcats!!"

Symmonds, who won a silver medal in the 800 meters at the 2013 World Championships in Moscow, was a vocal critic of Russia's "anti-gay" laws.

Mertens tore his ACL last year and was not able to play with the football team for several months but is eager to begin practicing for the 2014 season. He is currently in a long-distance relationship but gets to see his boyfriend quite often. Mertens plans to use the love and support from his family, friends, teammates and coaches to move forward with his mission.

"I'm just hoping to let people know you can still be an athlete and you can still be one of the guys — even if you're into guys."